This project addresses farmer demand for crop- and location-specific decision-support tools to aid in short-term operational (e.g., planting, harvest, pest management) and long-term planning decisions

The Department of Agriculture Office of the Chief Economist awarded a Cooperative Agreement to the University of Florida Division of Sponsored Research for $150,000 on September 30, 2025, under the Agricultural Market and Economic Research program (CFDA 10.290).

The project addresses farmer demand for crop- and location-specific decision-support tools to aid short-term operational decisions such as planting, harvest, and pest management, as well as long-term planning. The University of Florida will expand crop-specific decision support tools including a chill accumulation calculator and a heat stress monitor. In partnership with a NOAA Regional Climate Center, the project will develop an online platform allowing users to examine temperature, precipitation, and other variables from the national to field level. The platform integrates historical data, current observations, and short-term forecasts, directing users to tools, calculators, and resources specific to their area or farming operation. The award will also produce nationwide risk maps of events including extended dry spells, extreme heat, and freezes to help farmers assess weather risks.

Performance occurs in Florida, with a completion date of September 30, 2026. The Office of the Chief Economist exercised authority under 7 U.S.C. 3318(e) to award this noncompetitive cooperative agreement. This is not a pass-through program; funds are awarded directly to the ultimate beneficiary.

This cooperative agreement will leverage university of florida's expertise to expand crop-specific decision support tools available to farmers (e.g., a chill accumulation calculator and a heat stress monitor). In partnership with a NOAA regional climate center, the project will support the development of an online platform that will allow users to look at indicators of temperature, precipitation, and other variables from the national to the field-level. The platform will combine historical data, current observations, and short-term forecasts, and direct the user to tools, calculators, and other resources that are specific to their area or farming operation. This cooperative agreement will also produce novel nationwide risk maps of events such as extended dry spells, extreme heat, and freezes, to help farmers assess weather risks. Expanding the availability of such data and tools will increase resilience to extreme weather, improve risk management and resource-use efficiency, and improve farmers' bottom lines. OCE will exercise authority under 7 U.S.c 3318 (e) to award this noncompetitive cooperative agreement.